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Gov. Whitmer re-opening retail by appointment, non-essential medical and allowing small gatherings up to 10 people

gretchen whitmer 08152020
Posted at 10:27 AM, May 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-22 08:16:30-04

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order today to further re-open the state as part of the MI Safe Start plan.

The governor’s executive order, 2020-96, re-opens retail businesses and auto dealerships for "by-appointment" shopping, starting on May 26, according to the governor's office today.

Retailers must limit shopping to 10 customers at a time under the order.

Starting immediately, the order also allows for small gatherings of 10 people or less, as long as they practice social distancing.

The governor's office added that the order will lift the requirement that health care providers delay some non-essential medical, dental and veterinary procedures, starting on May 29.

“The data shows that Michigan is ready to phase in these sectors of our economy, but we must stay vigilant and ensure we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families from the spread of COVID-19,” Whitmer said.

“On behalf of our brave first responders on the front lines of this crisis, we must continue to all do our part by staying safer at home. We owe it to them to do what we can to stop the spread of this virus.”

Also today, the governor signed another executive order, 2020-97, updating a rule on workplace safety in the health care industry: re-opened outpatient health care facilities – including clinics, primary care physician offices and dental offices – must adopt "strict protocols" to prevent infection.

The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will issue guidance to help those health care facilities adopt the "appropriate safeguards."

Watch Whitmer's news conference on the orders